We understand God’s Dream for our neighborhoods and our community is that we be:
“Diverse neighbourhoods living with joy in nature, working together, united in caring and respect for each other.” |
Our congregation has a part to play in this dream, which we understand to be:
“Bringing hearts together in the Spirit of Christ, sharing God’s love and justice in our neighbourhoods and beyond.” |
We therefore understand our purpose not only to be that of inviting people into our congregational life, but also to be living the Christ-life within our homes, families, work environments, friendship circles, and neighbourhoods.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Based in the hospitality of Jesus Christ, we practise an open door/table policy, where all are welcome to worship and explore Christian faith with us regardless of age, race or colour, family status, physical or mental dis/ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, class, income level, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, marital status, or religious point of view.
1.5 Respectful Covenant
Our commitment to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive space
Growing in God’s world, striving to follow Jesus Christ and inspired by the Holy Spirit, we come to this space with a generosity of spirit and caring for others. We value respect, patience, open mindedness, compassion and kindness.
As a part of the congregation of Pitt Meadows United Church I will:
- seek to create a positive and unifying atmosphere in the life of the congregation
- provide a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all to worship, work and study
- speak only for myself in the spirit of truth and gentleness
- listen carefully, ask questions and seek facts to understand, be open to the ideas of others
- focus on contributing solutions to problems and welcoming an exchange of ideas
- keep confidentiality
- speak directly to one who has hurt or offended me, with the sincere hope of resolving the conflict ourselves; if it is not possible to resolve the conflict ourselves, we will follow the processes as outlined in our Conflict Resolution Policy
- honour decisions of our church by supporting or constructively communicating with the Board members; use feedback channels and processes appropriately
- commit to holding one another to account when we do not keep our Respectful Covenant
In our attempt to be a thriving contemporary congregation, we believe that we must have the following:
Minimum Specifications: “Must Haves” For a Thriving Church |
OVERALL |
A clear purpose and overall direction. |
Regular processes for discerning our future, planning, and then evaluating what we’re doing. |
Values including honesty, respect, and trust. |
Involvement of enthusiastic and supportive congregants. |
A leader with effective and supported staff. |
Clear communication (internal / external). |
A clear process for dealing with frustrations and disagreement (for dialogue). |
THE CONGREGATION |
Inspiring worship gatherings and preaching (various) with good worship, music and musicians. |
Interconnecting as ‘the Body of Christ’ through pastoral care (by congregation and Minister), nurturing diversity at all levels, having various gatherings. |
Time for learning together and Board/congregational conversations on being disciples of Jesus and the congregation in today’s world. |
Outreach: as individuals and a congregation, loving neighbours / especially those struggling. |
MINISTER, STAFF, BOARD and TEAMS (Standing or Ad Hoc) |
Openness for new ideas and paths to implement them, building from what’s in place. |
Giving people freedom to use their gifts so they get to do what they love for God. Freedom to do the job you’re given with flexibility and authority to act. |
Clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability. |
Effective financial controls / stewardship processes. |
Compliance with UCC requirements. |
Must not haves IN A THRIVING CHURCH: |
Too much structure / Trying to fill slots because they exist / Too many committees / Too much unnecessary administration. |
Overly rigid chain of command. |
Quashing of congregant’s, Minister’s, or staff enthusiasm. |
Responsibility without freedom to act. People feeling unnecessarily restricted in using their gifts. |